helot

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun helot has 1 sense

serf, helot, villein - (Middle Ages) a person who is bound to the land and owned by the feudal lord
--₁ is a kind of thrall
--₁ has particulars: cotter, cottier

Definitions from the Web

Term: Helot

Definition:

A helot refers to a serf or slave who was captured by the ancient Spartans and forced to work the land.

Sense 1: Noun (Historical Context)

In ancient Sparta, helots were subjected to harsh conditions and had limited rights.

Sample Sentence: The helots provided labor for the Spartan city-state in exchange for protection.

Sense 2: Noun (Figurative)

In a figurative sense, helot can be used to describe someone who is oppressed or treated as a subordinate.

Sample Sentence: The lower class often felt like helots in the face of the ruling elite.

Sense 3: Verb (Rare Usage)

Helot is rarely used as a verb, but it can mean to subject someone to oppressive conditions or servitude.

Sample Sentence: The oppressive regime heloted its citizens, depriving them of basic rights.